57 extremists released from detention after rehabilitation in Singapore since 2002

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Friday that Singapore has released 57 extremists from detention since 2002.

Lee made the remarks at the closing of the East Asia Summit on Religious Rehabilitation and Social Integration, Channel NewsAsia reported.

The 57 extremists have been rehabilitated and are seen as no longer threats to society, the article said, quoting Lee. Only one case of recidivism has been reported among them.

Lee attributed the achievements to the work of the Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG), which was formed in 2003, adding that as a multiracial society, rehabilitation and reintegration are as important as security actions and operational capabilities to fight against terrorism.

"Muslim communities need to be guided and work has to be done to prevent perverted and dangerous ideas from catching on. We have to work to build an integrated, harmonious and multi-religious society. So that we avoid problems of marginalization, religious enclaves, misperceptions and resentments, which can feed on themselves and generate religious extremism and terrorism," said Lee. Endi